CCM star Jaci Velasquez launches own record label and signs singer/songwriter Michael Cook.

LATIN POP star and Word recording artist Jaci Velasquez is launching her own record label, Apostrophe Records. Singer/songwriter Michael Cook is the first signing to Apostrophe. Velasquez is currently negotiating a distribution deal for the new venture. The singer told Billboard, "I wanted to help out other artists, because somebody helped me out along the way. When Michael Cook came along I said, 'He's amazing, and now is the time!'"

A multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Award Winner, Velasquez signed with Word Records at 15 and became one of the Christian industry's top female vocalists. The 24 year old artist has also achieved success in the Latin community through Sony Discos and starred last year in the film Chasing Papi. Velasquez is negotiating a new Latin music deal, but she will remain with Word Records for her Christian music career. Velasquez will serve as CEO of Apostrophe while her mother Diana Stancil will be CFO and her brother Dion Lopez VP of A&R. CR

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